How to wear ankle boots

Reaching to the ankle joint or just above, ankle boots are a great alternative to other styles of boots if you’re looking for something with less coverage. As well as taking up less space on the shoe rack, ankle boots are the perfect footwear for when you’re after a blend of fashion and practicality. Available in a range of styles, heel heights and materials, ankle boots offer endless outfit possibilities.

Where ankle boots really come into their own, though, is in their seasonal versatility. Where taller boots can feel heavy or too insulating in warmer weather, ankle boots offer a small, yet sturdy alternative to keep you cool and stylish. They’re the perfect shoe to bridge the gap between warmer and colder weather.

Being so versatile, ankle boots can be worn with pretty much anything, from dresses and skirts to shorts and trousers. But sometimes, it can be hard to know how to style them when there is so much variety on offer.

Below, we explore various ways of styling ankle boots with different types of outfits.

How to wear ankle boots with dresses

Think boots and dresses don’t work well together? Think again. When it comes to ankle boots, choose a dress length that allows them to be seen - a midi or mini will do well. If you prefer a longer dress like a maxi dress, though, consider wearing it with an ankle boot that has a platform, wedge or heel. This adds height to your outfit and can allow you to show off your stylish boots, as well as elongating your silhouette.

Ankle boots can go well with dresses to suit a range of different formalities, whether you’re meeting up with friends, going to work in an office or even heading out to a party or dinner event. In general, choosing a sleek boot will make your outfit look dressier. Heels or wedges can add sophistication to your look, and boots in classic materials like suede and leather can look elegant and formal. Try a pointed-toe boot to mimic the style of dress shoes.

If you’re wondering what to wear inside your boots, it’s often a good idea to wear ankle socks to cushion your feet, even if you’re going bare-legged. You can also layer ankle socks over tights or hosiery in cooler weather to keep your feet warm and cosy - this will also help to alleviate foot pain if you’re wearing ankle boots with a wedge or heel.

How to wear ankle boots with skirts or shorts

Ankle boots aren’t just for dresses - they also add a touch of style to skirts and shorts, creating outfits that are both practical and fashionable. They’re a great choice for summer hikes and days out where you need sturdy footwear but don’t want to commit to a full-sized boot or walking shoe.

Additionally, ankle boots can extend the seasonality of your skirts and shorts into the colder months, allowing you to look great without having to worry about finding stylish, weather-appropriate footwear. Just pair your favourite skirt or shorts with opaque tights and your ankle boots to make an outfit perfect for autumn and winter days out.

Regardless of what length of skirt you choose, it’s important to balance your outfit to ensure it’s visually appealing. If you’ve chosen a flowy skirt, opt for chunky ankle boots to balance it out. For a form-fitting pencil skirt, sleek, slimline boots are the way to go. The same principles apply for shorts, too - but don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite.

How to wear ankle boots with trousers

A guide on styling ankle boots just wouldn’t be complete without talking about trousers. Like other types of boots, ankle boots are great for cold, wintry weather, making warm trousers their natural companions. But you can even wear them with summer trousers and leggings to enjoy the style all year around.

Again, balancing the chunkiness of your boots and trousers is a good place to start. For instance, if your boots are slimline, try pairing them with skinny jeans or cigarette-style trousers. A taller, pointed-toe boot, on the other hand, can help to elongate your legs and contrast the flowy style of wide-leg trousers, especially if they have a high waist.

When it comes to the length of your trousers, the most common options are a cropped trouser that finishes just above the boot, a slimline trouser that tucks into the boots or a longer, wide-leg trouser that allows your boots to peep out beneath the hem. These are great options if you’re styling an outfit in a hurry, but you can also experiment with other leg lengths to suit your tastes.

In the end, ankle boots are a highly versatile type of footwear that can be made to suit anyone’s personal style. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different parts of your wardrobe to find a new favourite outfit - where ankle boots are concerned, you’re sure to find a pair you love.